While my girls are in camp, I like to spend some quiet time exploring different cities. After a hectic day in Boston, I decided to slow it down and head to Portland, Maine for the day to enjoy some relaxing ‘Me Time’. My first stop was the gorgeous Portland Museum of Art. I’d been here years ago on a quick trip so I was anxious to be able to spend as much time as I wanted.
It’s hard to walk by the museum without giving it a second glance. The courtyard outside has some beautiful sculptures so I had to stop and take a look. The first thing I noticed was the sculpture that looked very familiar since I just saw one very similar at the CMCA in Rockland, Maine.
There were several other fabulous pieces.
I always love seeing paintings that feature locations in Maine.
Charles Herbert Woodbury, Ogunquit Bath House 
Herbert Childe Hassam, Isles of Shoals
George Wesley Bellows, Matinicus 
Emil James Bisttram, Village of Monhegan
One of my favorites is of Mount Katahdin, since my husband hiked the Appalachian Trail and this was the last mountain he had to hike before coming home.
There were also several paintings from Winslow Homer.
Returning from the Spring 
An Open Window
My girls would have loved seeing this fun exhibit by Bernard Langlais that features 18 wood sculptures. It makes you feel like you are standing on the seacoast of Maine.
I often get star-struck when I’m standing near a famous piece of art. That’s exactly how I felt when I stood next to this Renoir.
One of my favorite pieces was this huge painted wood sculpture by Leonardo Drew. I wish I could have captured how immense it was. It made you feel so small.
There are so many wonderful works of art. In fact, the PMA has a collection of over 18,000 artworks, it would take nearly 10 years of constant gallery rotations to see everything. So, you never know what to expect. Here were a few of my favorites:
And you will be in awe over this marble sculpture of Ulysses S. Grant.
The museum itself is so lovely, and has an open feel to it that makes it airy and bright.
Tips for a wonderful day at Portland Museum of Art:
Summer Hours (through October 31)
Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 10:00am to 6:00pm
Thursday, Friday 10:00am to 8:00pm
Admission:
Free on Fridays from 4:00-8:00
$18 adults
$15 seniors and students
Free for everyone under the age of 21! This is a fun and affordable thing to do with your family.
There is a beautiful cafeteria that serves everything from specialty coffee to hearty lunches to evening cocktails.
There is a wonderful gift shop.
There is a free coatroom as well as lockers. (Bags over 11×15 must be checked.)
There are free strollers and wheelchairs but available on a first come basis.
There is public parking on High St, Free St, and Spring St.) Personally, I like to park in the parking garage across the street from the museum at the Holiday Inn by the Bay.
A warm thank you to the Portland Museum of Art for having me as your guest. As always, all opinions and experiences are 100% of MyTravelingKids.com.